Archive for June, 2009

“Fight Like A Girl”… For Your Friend, Family Member, Or Cause

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

What causes do you support?  If you’ve ever received a diagnosis then you’ve likely had this passion chosen for you.  Maybe a friend calls needing support after getting news from her doctor that she has breast cancer.  I know how difficult it is to remain strong when a big part of you feels scared about what this means and if, as the words leave your mouth… everything really will be okay.

Let’s face it, most of us have had that annual visit to the OBGYN where maybe there were abnormal cells on your PAP test or maybe your OB felt a lump that turned out to be nothing more than 2 weeks of worrying, only to be told that you have fibrocystic breasts (along with nearly half of the female population, by the way).  So, we’ve all thought “What will I do?…” even if it was just for a moment and while we will never be able to understand the reality someone faces when they hear the words we haven’t had to, as friends (family, communities, etc.), it only seems right to come together and make that reality one we wouldn’t be afraid to face ourselves.

In comes Signify Pink, a company that creates branded clothing and accessories with in-house screen-printing and embroidery services “to help women connect with the causes that matter most.”

Their “Fight Like A Girl” line was started when a mammography nurse in Iowa named Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Knowing how expensive treatment would be, Mary’s co-workers came together to support their friend.  They contacted Signify Pink to design a t-shirt that could be sold to help out with their friend’s medical expenses.  Combining t-shirt sales and a chili supper, Mary’s co-workers raised more than $20,000.

As the site reads…

When they reached the $20,000 mark Mary said, “That’s all I need.  Keep going with the shirts. But share the wealth.” Mary is now cancer free.  And the shirts continue to do good.

So I ask the question again: What causes do you support?  I think the “Fight Like A Girl” brand is a great way to support a fellow Belle in need because breast cancer is something that has touched all of us in some way.  As a matter of fact, 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  We don’t have a choice BUT to make it a cause we support.  Even the best insurance doesn’t cover everything.  Co-pays, transportation, prescriptions and tests add up so quickly and those are just the basics.  Heaven forbid you factor in retail therapy or emotional eating, (which of course accumulates in the form of pounds but adds up nonetheless.)  I think now more than ever, we have an opportunity to strengthen communities by supporting each other in difficult times and helping our friends by rallying together in support when life presents the unexpected.  The good you do for others, will come back to you in ways you’d never imagine!

You can purchase the “Fight Like A Girl” merchandise online and get more information on their website at Signify Pink.  They have t-shirts, hoodies, totes, note cards, and tons of other items that are super cute!  I wear my t-shirt all the time and I get compliments everywhere I go (and let’s be honest, when is the last time someone complimented you on a t-shirt???)

If you’re interested in raising funds for your friend/family member/or cause, contact Glenda Elliott at (515) 577-0780 or at glenda.elliott@sigler.com.

Posted in Belle of the Ball, General, Women's Issues | No Comments »

5 Things To Do In An Economic Depression (and the personal one that comes with it)

Sunday, June 14th, 2009

The economy is depressed.  Hell, even Henry seems depressed.  Job loss has gone from something you heard on the news to an event that has affected everyone personally in some way.  If you are lucky to have a job, with fewer people in the work force, you’re probably working harder and possibly for less pay (which I’m sure wasn’t one of your goals as you advanced in your career.)  The bottom line is, we’re all being forced to make some changes in order to “stay in the game” (and out of foreclosure, divorce court, bankruptcy, the mental ward, & the bar before 5.)  Here are a few ideas:

1. Change How You Entertain Yourself. I’m not going to sugar coat this because you and I both know we like to “treat” ourselves.  You still can, but lets tone it down a bit.  Instead of taking that trip to Hawaii, vacation at a friend’s house.  Chances are you’ve been meaning to go visit someone for years and haven’t gotten around to it.  Instead of that night out with the girls, have them over for a movie or game night and do a potluck.  Finally, cut back on salon expenses and you’re halfway to achieving enlightenment.  I couldn’t believe how much money I was spending on manicures, pedicures, cuts, color, massages, and hair products…. OH MY.  All I can say is, eliminate where you can, cut back where you can’t, and you’ll be amazed.

2. Shop Smarter. There are more sales than ever before, but you still need to pay attention.  It’s also a good idea to check out sites like Amazon and eBay for items you really want, because they may be for sale somewhere else.  I also like ShopItToMe!  While you’re at it, sell that outfit you just “had to have” but have never worn on eBay so you’ll have some money to buy something.

3. Save money on batteries; sleep with your husband/boyfriend. Sex has so many health benefits, so we should really be making it a bigger part of our lives.  It releases endorphins, fights depression, relieves stress, burns calories, and it’s FREE!  Take your birth control through, because babies aren’t.  While you’re at it, save money on the gym membership and kick it up a notch or two in the bedroom!

4. Make sure you’re getting the best rate. You can do this with everything from your cell phone to your cable.  Boost Mobile offers an unlimited plan for $50 a month and most all companies offer an unlimited plan for $99 a month but you HAVE TO ASK!  Go online and look at their websites and see what they have to offer.  I also love BankRate, which lets you compare rates for all different lending institutions and tells you who is offering the best deal for what you want.  This site is amazing and they have tons of calculators and tools to help you figure out your finances.  To make sure you are getting the best deal on your credit card rates and to see what is available, check out Credit Cards.  I think a great FREE tool for getting your personal finances organized and helping you evaluate where you are spending and where you can save is Mint.  Of course, if once you take a look at all the facts and realize it might be more than you can handle on your own, the NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling) has information and resources on different options.

5. Read a book, even if it’s chic lit. I think reading enhances our well being tremendously.  It motivates, empowers, humors, educates, and allows us to escape.  I started reading again a couple years back and now it’s my favorite thing to do in my spare time.  Here are some great books I recommend that will help give your mental state, financial smarts, and career outlook a boost: Stepping Out Of Line by Nell Merlino, Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan, Brazen Careerist by Penelope Trunk, Basic Black by Cathie Black, and Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster.

The important thing to remember is that you need to prepare yourself for whatever the future holds, the good and the bad.  To me, that means doing something every day to better yourself in one area of your life.  Be good to yourself, and while your “best” will vary from day to day, keep going and be proud of the woman you are today.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Books, General, Women's Issues | 2 Comments »

A Few Words On Abuse…

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

Domestic abuse has been in the news a lot lately, and the attention brings awareness to an issue I feel very strongly about. Abuse takes many forms, and you don’t have to have a black eye to be a victim. I encourage everyone to learn more about abuse, because the fact is, at some point we will all know someone in an abusive relationship. For more information, please visit the resources below:

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Safe Horizon

The National Network to End Domestic Violence

National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)

Stalking Resource Center

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center

Family Violence Prevention Fund

Fair Fund

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Thank you,

Independent Belle

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Women's Issues | No Comments »

Get LinkedIn

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

I’ve always been a fan of LinkedIn and lately I’ve found myself showing more colleagues and friends how to use the site.  So for those of you that don’t know about LinkedIn, or for those of you who haven’t taken the time to check it out, I thought I’d give a brief description of what it is and why I think it is a valuable tool for ANYONE in the workforce (or for many of us that are trying to get back in). It’s like business networking without having to leave the house. You can join college alumni groups, industry groups, find old friends and colleagues, etc. and see what they are doing professionally. If your city doesn’t have many groups, start one! I’ve even started a group for Independent Belle so we can also connect via LinkedIn.

A lot of companies have group profiles, allowing you to get current information, and see if there are any company needs, etc. I recently reconnected with a lot of my sorority’s alumni that are located here in Chicago. Its been exciting to meet new people who I have something in common with, and not only that but we’ll all probably have an opportunity in the future to help each other out professionally in some way!

The thing I like most about LinkedIn is that it is strictly professional and doesn’t have a lot of distracting extras like other social networking sites. They also have a great search feature so it’s easy to find people you know! For some great ways to use LinkedIn, I suggest reading Guy Kawasaki’s article on 10 Ways To Use LinkedIn for more ideas. After you’re done, get your profile set up and send a request to join the Independent Belle group.  You’ll start connecting to everyone as if you were out at that event holding a big martini, shaking hands, and collecting business cards in no time!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in A Belle's Life In Chicago, General | No Comments »

Mentors Will Inspire, Promote, and Cheer You On

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

Do you remember the first person that believed in you as much, or maybe even more, than you believed in yourself?  Did someone inspire you to become something bigger than you knew was possible for yourself?  Maybe it was a teacher in school, a professor in college, or just a peer who looked up to you.  I don’t mention family here, although family is and has always been a huge source of support for me.  What I’m focusing on here is someone who said something to you that was unexpected and unsolicited that caught you off guard and made you think, “Finally, the hard work is paying off!”  Maybe it was someone you observed that inspired you to work harder, or in the worst-case-scenario some jerk who discouraged you from moving forward in some way, which resulted in motivating you to reach your true potential.

I believe these people exist in all of our lives and mine is no exception.  If I had to recommend three specific individuals to search for, I would look for someone who inspires you, someone who helps move you forward, and someone who cheers you along the way.  I am fortunate to have each.

The individual who inspired me was professional, matter of fact, but friendly.  I learned from this person that working mothers wake at all hours of the night to feed their newborns, sometimes twins, and then rise early in the morning in hopes of having enough peace to get a shower.  Working moms drop their kids at daycare, catch the train to the city, walk to work, only to know their day has just begun.  These women are revolutionaries without even seeing them conduct a meeting!  And when they do, watch out… they’re no pushovers.  Yes, I knew one day I’d like to have someone look at me and think I kicked ass the way this woman did, and I will.

The next significant figure came into my life soon after and we should all be so lucky to have a person in our lives like her.  She is radiant, professional, brilliant, and genuine.  She exemplified everything I wanted to be and as we got to know each other better, she became my first mentor.  One thing I am most grateful to her for is confiding in me some critical information that changed what I saw as possible for myself in terms of earnings potential.  I encourage more women to share this information because it is the only way we will bridge the gap.  She also committed herself to helping me move forward with my career and she landed me the interview with the company I’m with now.  She continues to help me in business settings by introducing me to new business leaders and always says the nicest things about me to others.  She is my fan and I am hers.  She is my mentor, my friend, and my home away from home.

My next mentor is the person I will choose as Chairman of my Board of Directors one day.  He encourages me to keep dreaming big and always finds time in his hectic and demanding schedule to answer my questions and give sound advice.  He has opened doors for me and introduced me to some amazing individuals in the industry.  Above all, he has been a trusted friend through good and bad times.  In the end, this is what matters most from anyone you let into your life, especially someone you look to guide you through difficult decisions and changes.  He is the kind of person whose positive energy is infectious.   We are each other’s biggest believers.

So search your memories and look back and remember the experiences that have had a lasting impression on you.  They have shaped who you are and it is never too late to show gratitude.  I encourage you to send a note to these individuals and let them know the difference they have made in your career and in your life.  Let’s face it; these days a lot of our careers can consume our lives!  Next, and just as important: be a mentor.  Take the time to get to know a new hire at your company; you can make a huge impact on their career.  One thing I truly believe is what you give to others, you get back tenfold.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in General | 8 Comments »

Credit Score: Why Yours Matters To YOU

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

I know, I know, it all seems very overwhelming at times, especially in these times. I’ll try not to get all Suze Orman on you, but I’ve learned a lot working in the financial industry the past few years and if I could pass along one piece of information to my friends it would be to have a strong credit score! I know some of you may be familiar with your credit scores if you have bought a home, and having a high credit score can be HUGE in getting you the best interest rate on your mortgage, but there are other reasons to have a high credit score.

Those of you who know me, know that it is my passion to make us smarter, more supportive, knowledgeable and happy individuals. And part of that is being smart about our finances. It can be scary, trust me, I know. I’m single, and living in the middle of the city is very expensive. Sometimes making ends meet means working two jobs, and in times like these, you just have to let go of that pride and do what it takes. People will respect you for taking care of yourself and you will respect yourself, which is all that matters in the end belles!

So let’s start by finding out what we’re working with and learn what our credit score is. I’ve asked my friend Rich at www.mycreditscoreimprovement.com to answer a few questions for us about credit scores and why they are important, what areas of our life they affect, and what we can do to fix them. Here we go!

How much money could someone save on their monthly mortgage payment by raising their credit score from a 640 to a 720?

The difference of a 640 credit score and a 720 credit score could be a very large savings on a monthly basis.  Interest rates are based on the ability of a client to be able to repay their mortgage.  This is based on their financial track record (their credit report and the credit score they have obtained).  In today’s market this could mean as much as a 1% difference in interest rate.  For example, a 640 credit score could be a 7% interest and a 720 credit score a 6%.  Based on the loan amount, this could easily be a $150-200+ monthly payment difference.

I don’t own a home and I don’t plan on buying in the next year.  Why should I want to raise my credit score?

Credit scores are used for so many things today that a home purchase is just one of many.  The following is just a short list of what a credit score is looked at for:

Financial approval when renting an apartment

Financial approval when buying a car

Financial approval for any and all insurances (health, life, auto, home or renters insurance, etc)

When applying for a new job

Joining a health club

Applying for any and all credit cards

The biggest thing to remember is the better your credit score the less interest rate you will pay on financed items along with lower insurance rates.  What this means to you is money saved on payments and premiums.

Should I pay to get all three credit scores or just one?  What is a tri-merge?

When applying for an item that requires your credit score to be used as the deciding factor of approval and also interest rate and or payment amount, there are three credit reporting agencies that creditors report to.  This is why it is called a tri-merge, which means three credit reports combined to make one.  Many creditors will use the middle score for approval.  An example would be the following: 720, 667, and 708.  The middle score would be 708.

What are the easiest things I can do to raise my score?  What should I do first?

WOW, if you have read the answers to the questions above and feel that it sounds like a confusing process, well now you understand how important it is to have a good credit score.  So what is a good credit score?  A 740 middle score and above is what you need.  If you do not have a 740, the best thing to do is to hire a professional to help you increase your score.  The one thing we should all do is pay our bills on time, this will help keep your credit score constant, but it will not raise it.

My best answer is each credit report and financial situation is different.  Proper review and a proper plan for each credit report if followed will help each person obtain their highest possible credit score.

Thanks Rich!

If you have more questions about Rich’s services, check out the website at www.mycreditscoreimprovement.com. Let’s keep the conversation going, if you have ideas on ways to save money without completely sacrificing your lifestyle, leave a comment and share with the community. We’ll appreciate it!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in A Belle's Life In Chicago, General, Women's Issues | 2 Comments »

©2009 Independent Belle.